Opgal’s Infrared Thermal Imaging Cameras Gain Mass Market Appeal

It is a well-known fact that many of the most sophisticated electronic, communications, and surveillance systems currently adopted by the mass market had their origins in the military.

The Internet is a case in point. This sensible approach to rolling out innovative technologies ensures that all the necessary checks and balances have been conducted before the public is presented with a robust product or service. (Read More)

Opgal has been leading the way with innovative infrared technology and surveillance systems since 1983. This company has produced an impressive line of thermal imaging cameras with near-infrared illumination technology for a range of applications. Not only is it an industry leader for the security and defense industry, by providing surveillance solutions that identify threats 24/7, it also operates across industries and sectors. Opgal is approved for detection of hazardous gas leaks and is fully compliant with European standards and American standards. This company’s strengths are evident in its sophisticated technology, wide range of products, and over 3 decades of proven experience in the field.

Opgal’s applications for infrared thermal imaging devices and systems spread far and wide. From defense, security and industrial applications, to aviation and mobile technology; the all-encompassing nature of these high-performance devices cannot be disputed. As a major supplier of thermal imaging cameras, this company has fine-tuned its products over the years, providing contractors, professional customers, and integrators with products that are capable of ‘seeing things’ invisible to the human eye. These surveillance systems, solutions and imaging technologies employ the latest electro-optics and processing abilities, offering a different way to visualize suspicious activity, conduct surveillance, and record footage in adverse weather conditions.

Opgal’s product lines are the most sophisticated set of eyes available in the world today. The limitations of the human visual field are the driving force behind Opgal’s runaway success. We can only see a visible spectrum of light that ranges from 430 THz to 770 THz. Violet has the shortest wavelength at 380 – 450 nm, and red has the longest wavelength at 620 – 750 nm. Beyond what we can see is infrared. IR cameras detect the heat (infrared energy) emitted off all objects and translates it into an image, that is otherwise invisible to the naked eye. The hotter an object is, the brighter its image will show. A high-quality sensor will be able to detect between the smallest temperature differences and create a crisp visual image.

Thermal imaging in the Oil & Gas Industry

The widespread applications of thermal imaging technology are available for use across multiple industries. One product which revolutionized the industrial world is Opgal’s EyeCGas® camera. This line of Optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras uses cutting-edge technology for safe and fast identification of fugitive emissions leaks.

Most industrial gases and chemical compounds emitted are invisible to the naked eye yet can be extremely hazardous. Many companies in the oil & gas industry have turned to OGI technology as part of their regulatory compliance obligations, which enables them to save lives, costs, and the environment.

That’s where Opgal’s gas leak detection cameras come in handy. These infrared devices are comprised of extremely sensitive IR sensors with proprietary advanced algorithms to detect industrial gas leaks and gas emissions. They have proven to be one of the safest ways to visualize ‘fugitive emissions’, allowing for the quick and easy repair of these hazards.

Several products have been perfected over the years, including the eponymous camera which is a handheld detection device that can pick up on over 30 VOC gases and hydrocarbons including hexane, benzene, and methane. It is fully compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPAs) OOOOa regulations and has been adopted universally for LDAR compliance. Multiple EyeCGas® products have been launched over the past decade and are now available for industrial and home-use applications, including OGI cameras for CO and CO2 gas leak detection.

These optical gas imaging devices can instantly detect gas leaks and they are ideally suited for the oil and gas industry. They also ensure that industries are compliant with the rules and regulations and they can substantially limit or prevent fines imposed on industries as well as expensive repair and maintenance work.

Other Industry Benefits from Opgal’s Thermal Imaging Technology

Nondestructive Testing (NDT) or non-invasive inspection is another thermal imaging use which is garnering significant attention around the world. NDT consists of various techniques used to evaluate material properties, components, or entire process units to detect the presence of damage mechanisms (e.g. corrosion or cracks). Opgal’s NDTherm® conducts real-time inspections of in-service and production line manufacturing processes.

The value of this technology is evident in its ability to instantly identify structural and composite defects in materials. This includes metals, plastics, sandwich structures, GFRP and others. The technology works via a system of thermal imaging cameras and proprietary manufacturing processes. It is ideally suited to large surface inspections of materials, notably limited access applications from the side of a structure.

Several types of thermography NDT testing products are available, including NDTherm® NT/LF, NDTherm® AU, and NDTherm® FX. These systems can detect defects in production line and laboratory environments. They offer a convenient alternative to physical inspections and dismantling of products for safety, compliance, and integrity. Thermography has proven to be the most effective means of testing defects across multiple industrial applications. By employing the use of this type of infrared technology, it is possible to gauge the integrity and condition of the inner components of systems, appliances, products, and materials.